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Floating photovoltaic systems: photovoltaic cable submersion testing and potential impacts
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This study evaluated how submersion in water affects the durability of photovoltaic cables used in floating solar panel systems, assessing potential environmental impacts. Floating solar infrastructure, like all plastic-containing structures in water, has the potential to release microplastics as materials degrade.
Background: Floating photovoltaics (FPV) is an emerging technology that is gaining attention worldwide. However, little information is still available on its possible impacts in the aquatic ecosystems, as well as on the durability of its components. Therefore, this work intends to provide a contribution to this field, analysing possible obstacles that can compromise the performance of this technology, adding to an increase of its reliability and assessing possible impacts. The problem under study is related to the potential submersion of photovoltaic cables, that can lead to a degradation of its electrical insulation capabilities and, consequently, higher energy production losses and water contamination. Methods: In the present study, the submersion of photovoltaic cables (with two different insulation materials) in freshwater and artificial seawater was tested, in order to replicate real life conditions, when FPV systems are located in reservoirs or in the marine environment. Electrical insulation tests were carried out weekly to assess possible cable degradation, the physical-chemical characteristics of the water were also periodically monitored, complemented by analysis to detect traces of copper and microplastics in the water. Results: The results showed that the submersion of photovoltaic cables with rubber sheath in saltwater can lead to a cable accelerated degradation, with reduction of its electrical insulation and, consequently, copper release into the aquatic environment. Conclusions: The test results pointed a probable relationship between submersion of cables with rubber outer shell and water freezing temperatures and the occurrence of accelerated degradation of the cable insulation layer. Reduced insulation resistance values were measured in this cable type after the occurrence of such temperatures, both in salt and freshwater, the cable presented visible exterior degradation signs. For this case copper residues were detected in the water.
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Floating photovoltaic systems: photovoltaic cable submersion and impacts analysis
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This study examined potential risks to photovoltaic cables from submersion in floating solar panel systems deployed on water bodies, assessing electrical performance and material integrity over time. The study also notes that plastic cable components degrading in water could contribute microplastics to aquatic environments, a largely unaddressed concern.
Floating photovoltaic systems: photovoltaic cable submersion testing and potential impacts.
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This study examines whether submerged photovoltaic cables in floating solar installations degrade over time and release contaminants or plastic particles into aquatic ecosystems. The research addresses a gap in understanding the environmental impacts of floating solar technology as it expands globally.
Experimental data of photovoltaic cable submersion tests
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This dataset contains results from submersion tests of photovoltaic (solar panel) cables in freshwater and artificial seawater under realistic conditions. The tests tracked electrical insulation degradation and changes in water chemistry over time. The data is relevant to understanding how plastic-insulated cables used in floating solar installations contribute to microplastic pollution in water bodies.
Experimental data of photovoltaic cable submersion tests
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This data article presents experimental results from submersion tests of photovoltaic (PV) cables with two different insulation materials in freshwater and artificial seawater, simulating real-life conditions of floating PV installations. Electrical insulation integrity was tested weekly, and water samples were periodically analyzed for dissolved copper and microplastic traces to detect cable degradation. The dataset supports assessment of environmental contamination risks from floating solar energy infrastructure in aquatic environments.
Experimental data of photovoltaic cable submersion tests
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This is a duplicate dataset entry for the photovoltaic cable submersion tests (same as 45414). The experimental data covers plastic cable insulation degradation under freshwater and seawater conditions. It supports assessment of microplastic release from infrastructure-related plastic materials in aquatic environments.
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